helping bus station dog

[advancebooking]

4 months ago I was walking through the bus station of the local town where I live. I noticed a muma dog with its litter and everyday since have been feeding them and medicating them. Most of the pups found homes but 2 were left behind and I have given them vacines and will get them desexed.

The muma dog had mastitis and I treated it with antibiotics. Now it seems she has a leg injury. I have never been able to pat her and only sometimes get close to her. Thus, I feel sorry for her that I can help. Should I go to the vet and get antibiotics for the injury?

I might soon be moving into a house with a yard and face the difficult decision as to adopting one or all of them. The 2 pups are ok but they are a bit boring - not really into games or anything. I put a colar on them months ago but they are still reluctant walkers when trying to take them on a lead. They more or less just sit around all day suffering in the heat. I make sure they get food and drink everyday and many locals also feed them sometimes.

Back home I used to having smart dogs with good personality and thus dont know if I should take the 3 of them or not? Or leave them in their environment and continue daily support....

Any thoughts on this matter are appreciated.

[loppylugs1]

The dogs will pick up in time,once they get adjusted and gain more confidence,just spend a bit of time with them petting them.

If the leg wound is an open wound, anti biotics for sure,you can buy them at any pharmacy,just give small dose.

know what you mean about not getting to close to the dog,had street dog for years but can hardly stroke her. i look after a load of street dogs too,few chicken carcasses,cheap rice,boil it up for an hour or so in a bucket and spoon it out to them

[jaapfries]

You two ('posters') have just restored my faith in the human race ! ! !

I know there are many 'dog-appreciators' around, but you guys are actually DOING something about it. This certainly sets you apart from many !

My personal & longtime motto: "The More People I meet; the More I Appreciate My Dogs"

On behalf of those dogs: "Thank you for caring !"

[fredge45]

You two ('posters') have just restored my faith in the human race ! ! !

I know there are many 'dog-appreciators' around, but you guys are actually DOING something about it. This certainly sets you apart from many !

My personal & longtime motto: "The More People I meet; the More I Appreciate My Dogs"

On behalf of those dogs: "Thank you for caring !"

+++++500++

[ammagic]

It's do worth recusing them. Once they realize they are safe & cared for they will blossom. I know - I have 4 rescue dogs & they are great. Took some time but they have become fabulous pets. Go for it!

[Suradit69]

The 2 pups are ok but they are a bit boring - not really into games or anything.

Could be parasites sapping the strength out of them. If they haven't received anything for worms or other parasites, you might try that. A vet would be the best person to assess them, but absent any treatment, they almost certainly will have parasites of one sort or another. When you take them to be neutered the vet can test for that too.

PS: Kudos to you for making the effort. My one regret for staying in a condo rather than a house is that I can't have a dog or two.

There may be a few negative posts from the dog haters coming soon. Ignore them if so. What you are doing is a good thing, for the dogs and for you.

Edited May 16, 2014 by Suradit69

[ataloss]

Go for it AB, all three. You're the(ir) Man!

[Loles]

The OP is a Human with big H.

Good to hear this type of people haven't died out.

[khunPer]

Some or many soi dogs have bad experience – may have been beaten or kicked – it’s a matter of time and confidence before you can pet them

Had one dog slowly “moving in”, did not like being touched and would not accept being petted – now she stays on permanent basis and consider herself as part of the family; and cannot get enough pat. Another big dog often passed at night, quiet but reserved and never coming close. Now he comes and wants his share of pat; and the two normally lie close together in front of the house at night and consider themselves as guard dogs.

[kbb]

I very seldom post, but since these are dogs, I have to hop in.

First I agree - you’re doing a great thing.

Next – My sister from the States has been after me for years to do something to help out the Soi Dogs. My Thai Wife and her family just give me CFHS (Crazy Farang Head Shakes).

We live in a Nakhon Sawan middle class suburb. A few of these dogs have been around for years. Some with collars. Hard to tell which of these are owned and let out most of the day, 50% looked after, or just resourceful and able to get by.

I hate to write this out loud, but am really afraid if I tell folks we want to help soi dogs, with … say … a broken leg, someone will find a healthy dog, break it’s leg, and helpfully bring it on over.

Some days, nothing surprises me here …

Tourist areas seem to have organizations (Samui Dogs, etc). But up here, it’s not the same. Getting the dog in the car without getting us all killed, finding a Vet we can trust, on and on.

We’d simply adopt a few ourselves, but we travel too much these days.

So – If anyone out there knows of good common sense advice or referrals of where to start, what to do (and what NOT to do), I’m listening. Or reading.

Woof.

ken b

[dotx]

I took in an adult soi dog three years ago and I thought she was boring too. Turns out she was just sad/scared. These are dogs that have spent their entire lives on the streets and they don't know anything else. They don't have time to enjoy life or be playful because they're always stressed about surviving.

With time, my dog came out of her shell and is now more playful and lively. I still think of her as "the boring one" when compared to the other two, but I think it's because she's more independent and my other two dogs are more... needy (which I like).

In the end, it doesn't matter. She's such a grateful dog. Sweet, loving and obviously so happy to have a home and somebody who loves her. Please do take the dogs in if you can. You get huge karma points for it, but more than anything, you'll give these dogs a chance to a good life. Nothing beats that.

To everybody else asking for suggestions, please catch the females and spay them. Then return them to the streets if there's no other option. At least you'll prevent more puppies from being born. My local vet here will sell me a sleeping pill I can give the wild dogs (inside a piece of meat). They don't completely fall asleep, but it knocks them out enough that I can pick them up, put them in the car and drive them to the vet to get sterilized. Even sterilizing ONE dog makes a world of difference, so please do that if you can't do anything else.

[ClutchClark]

I very seldom post, but since these are dogs, I have to hop in.

First I agree - youre doing a great thing.

Next My sister from the States has been after me for years to do something to help out the Soi Dogs. My Thai Wife and her family just give me CFHS (Crazy Farang Head Shakes).

We live in a Nakhon Sawan middle class suburb. A few of these dogs have been around for years. Some with collars. Hard to tell which of these are owned and let out most of the day, 50% looked after, or just resourceful and able to get by.

I hate to write this out loud, but am really afraid if I tell folks we want to help soi dogs, with say a broken leg, someone will find a healthy dog, break its leg, and helpfully bring it on over.

Some days, nothing surprises me here

Tourist areas seem to have organizations (Samui Dogs, etc). But up here, its not the same. Getting the dog in the car without getting us all killed, finding a Vet we can trust, on and on.

Wed simply adopt a few ourselves, but we travel too much these days.

So If anyone out there knows of good common sense advice or referrals of where to start, what to do (and what NOT to do), Im listening. Or reading.

Woof.

ken b

There are legitimate dog rescue services advertised with a Google search, some are specific to BKK.

There is a very good one called "Soi Dog" that does some occasional work in BKK providing vet services. They have a good webite with much information.

[ClutchClark]

To the OP, how long do you anticipate living in Thailand? These dogs will be alive for many years and if it is longer than your "stay" then you will have to get rid of them.

I would be interested to hear some of the avid dog owners opinion on turning a domesticated dog back onto the Soi when its no longer convenient to keep it? There become problems with the doge re-establishing territory, etc.. Plus the fact a dog does bond to an owner--are you willing to stick around to find these dogs homes before you leave?

Its a very kind thing you are doing for these dogs. I respect it but taking a dog home is moving to the next level.

Also, is there a chance one of the vendors at the bus station might be considered the owner and expect compensation should you take them or possibly just replace the dogs with another in their absence?

I am interested in opinions. Thanks

[Pralaad]

Take all 3, as they have already bonded, so will make it easier to settle them in, take it from someone with 15 soi dogs

Pups could be "boring" due to a number of reasons including and most likely blood parasites caused by tick bites.

This can be easily cured with some medication, however to check, need to take them to a Vet.

Blood parasite affects the entire system, including immune and as a result, dog become very passive, loss of appetite, just sleep.

Mama dog, i think is used to living on the street and people rather kicking her around, so she is hand shy, but i believe it will change in time.

What happens when you try to come close to her? does he growl or tries to bite? if growl, i would get closer with food in hand to make it a pleasant experience for her.

3 dogs sounds scary, but in reality it is not. food wise have many options as mentioned either self cooked or combo of dry and self cooked.

Vets are pretty cheap in Thailand in comparison to the West.

I would make sure they all eat dry food every day, because it is balanced and has all the vitamins they need and self made as a second meal.

If budget is mall, Smartheart brand is pretty good, or Smartheart Gold, both around 700 baht for 10 kg bags, If budget is ok, Royal Canine is a great choice, this one is around 2000 baht for 10kg bag

Back to pups and mom,

Get some ivermectine for heart worm and mange., its around 100 baht for pack of 10 tabs at the local markets.

Put 1 tab into a sausage and throw it to mom.

Intestinal worming is also good idea to get rid of any doubt. Those can be bought from Vet for 20baht per 1 tab, 1 tab is for 10kg.

Any other questions, feel free to PM or ask here.

So glad to see good, caring people popping up more and more on Thai Visa, instead of the usual animal hating crowd.

Good on you and my hat off for being a decent caring person

[Pralaad]

To the OP, how long do you anticipate living in Thailand? These dogs will be alive for many years and if it is longer than your "stay" then you will have to get rid of them.

I would be interested to hear some of the avid dog owners opinion on turning a domesticated dog back onto the Soi when its no longer convenient to keep it? There become problems with the doge re-establishing territory, etc.. Plus the fact a dog does bond to an owner--are you willing to stick around to find these dogs homes before you leave?

Its a very kind thing you are doing for these dogs. I respect it but taking a dog home is moving to the next level.

Also, is there a chance one of the vendors at the bus station might be considered the owner and expect compensation should you take them or possibly just replace the dogs with another in their absence?

I am interested in opinions. Thanks

This is a very good point and also a sad one as well.

One of my dogs, was a soi dog, then taken in by someone and thrown out again.

She stayed living in soi and did survive, however took her about 5 years to believe i was not going to throw her out.

Time living in Thailand is very important fact, just as well as financial ability to take pets with you, incase of moving house, city and country.

Another very important fact to remember is your age.

If you are an older person, it is not very wise to take pup, only because dog may outlive you. Happened to my mother, but i was there to take care of the dogs. Some people may not have someone willing to continue the care.

I am originally from Oz, i know i am stuck here for the rest of all my dogs life. Because taking them back is a nightmare, not to mention financially impossible(around $5000-$7000 per dog)

About the owners, bus station, I doubt they care and you will find most Thai will be happy if you take soi dog or sick dog and will praise you for it.

May be there are scum bags somewhere out there, but i have not encountered any, and as i mentioned i have taken in 15 dogs from the streets and 9 cats.

1 dog was actually genuinely owned by someone but after being hit by a car, the owner just left her there to die.

I took her in, paid all the Vet bills, surgery's etc, she fully recovered after spending over a month with Vet.

When owner saw her healthy, he came over to claim the dog.

I was happy to let her go and presented him with the Vet bills which were around 40 000 baht mark.

Owner quickly changed his mind, but was trying to indicate he wanted some money, to which i simply played silly as i did not understand and gave him a can of beer, 4 years later, she is still with me and very much loved.

Previous owner sees me and her daily, but has come to realize dog has a better life with me than she did with him, he actually acknowledged it and seemed happy.

End of rant

PS, Good i am NOT passionate about dogs

[ggt]

They more or less just sit around all day suffering in the heat.

That is pretty much what soi dogs do...as do Thais...they do not know they are suffering as they are acclimated to the climate...

You have a kind heart...turn it toward the street children who are in dire need of a physicians care...vaccinations...and a decent meal from time to time...

Try not to save the world...just a few at the time...good luck...

[Pralaad]

They more or less just sit around all day suffering in the heat.

That is pretty much what soi dogs do...as do Thais...they do not know they are suffering as they are acclimated to the climate...

You have a kind heart...turn it toward the street children who are in dire need of a physicians care...vaccinations...and a decent meal from time to time...

Try not to save the world...just a few at the time...good luck...

And here we go.

Firstly do you help the kids? how much do you donate? and how many have you taken to see physician or for vaccination or given decent meal?

Secondly, this thread is about helping dogs, if you want to help kids either make a new thread or find one about helping the kids

Lastly, there are plenty of private and government sponsored organizations out there to help the kids, but hardly any to help the animals.

[ammagic]

To the OP who questioned whether in taking on a soi dog I realize how long it will live etc. iI have considered this very carefully. I am over 70 but in excellent health. Nonetheless I have a will which leaves an amount for them in trust should anything happen to me. And yes, I have helped children, but my main focus is on helping Thai dogs (and cats) who so often lead terrible lives of starvation, sickness and abuse.

[dotx]

They more or less just sit around all day suffering in the heat.

That is pretty much what soi dogs do...as do Thais...they do not know they are suffering as they are acclimated to the climate...

You have a kind heart...turn it toward the street children who are in dire need of a physicians care...vaccinations...and a decent meal from time to time...

Try not to save the world...just a few at the time...good luck...

I hate it when people respond to a question by saying "your heart is in the wrong place, go help somebody else." The question wasn't about helping children (maybe the OP does that too) or poor people or whatever. If you feel strongly about street children, YOU help them.

[advancebooking]

Im the OP who wrote this thread and glad to read there are other kind hearted people out there. Also grateful that thai visa admin added this to one of the daily emails to all members.

The gf and I took the 2 pups to the vet for booster jabs and gave them some worming stuff. We check both pups ears and one had over 10 ticks in an ear. The other had a few.

I had previously given frontline 4 to 5 week ago but looks like I should give it every 2 to 3 weeks. The total bill for vac, frontline and worming was 1400 b. In oz that would bave been $160 probably. very cheap here!

cheers

[Pralaad]

Im the OP who wrote this thread and glad to read there are other kind hearted people out there. Also grateful that thai visa admin added this to one of the daily emails to all members.

The gf and I took the 2 pups to the vet for booster jabs and gave them some worming stuff. We check both pups ears and one had over 10 ticks in an ear. The other had a few.

I had previously given frontline 4 to 5 week ago but looks like I should give it every 2 to 3 weeks. The total bill for vac, frontline and worming was 1400 b. In oz that would bave been $160 probably. very cheap here!

cheers

Good on you.

If pups had ticks, its more than likely they have blood parasite, hence the reason for being very mellow.

You need to get the antibiotic for them and liver and blood support tablets.

The test to check is around 800 baht per pup, but i am certain they have it, so you can skip the test and ask for medicine.

Will just need their weight to make sure the doze is correct.

Frontline ONLY prevents the ticks, it does not cure if parasites already in the blood.

[BrooklynNY]

Thank you for your kind heart to help those street dogs. I would do the same if I was in Thailand. I was actively involved in rescuing some abandoned cats and dogs in Bangkok when I visited Thailand two years ago. I had much free time then so I might as well do some good deeds that I am good at.

I am Thai and I am an animal rescuer which I have been since I was young. I have know some Thai animal rescue organizations in Bangkok that I used to ask for help for spay and neuter street cats and helped out sick dogs. If you decided not to adopt any or adopt any of them, please spay and neuter the mother and her youngs when they are 7-8 months old but do not wait until they are in their first heat. It is better off to fix them before they reach their pubity to eliminate any bad behavior which cause by hormone like aggressiveness.

You are welcome to contact me if you need any advice or any contact to Thai organization. Thank you for helping animals in need those can not speak for themselves.

Edited May 17, 2014 by BrooklynNY

[Patrick Mills]

We have always had rescue dogs in the states, we live in a condo now, but we see the poor dogs in the streets all the time. We have only been here a few months, there is so many people, children, and animals to help. We do what we can for everybody, every little bit helps. Just do the best you can to help, you will get your reward. And Thanks to everyone for being Humane.

[Pralaad]

We have always had rescue dogs in the states, we live in a condo now, but we see the poor dogs in the streets all the time. We have only been here a few months, there is so many people, children, and animals to help. We do what we can for everybody, every little bit helps. Just do the best you can to help, you will get your reward. And Thanks to everyone for being Humane.

I often wonder if/when the aliens come, they might turn out to be or look like cats or dogs.

I treat mine really well, as i am worried they will give me up, especially my persian cat who always looks grumpy

[bina]

The pups may b more bonded with eachother so don't interact with you and soi dogs are more indepandent ...not working breeds or 'wanna please' breeds...get blood work done as others have suggest ed..might have to give mom broad spectrum long lasting injection if can grab her...if not than a long stint of AntiBIOTIC...

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